Katherine wrote>
> Jane Zukin's book, "Dairy-Free Cookbook," (Prima Publishing, 1991, page
7)
> states, "Alactasia is another name for congenital lactose intolerance.
Since
> lactose is present in mother's milk, being born without the ability to
digest
> it would be inconsistent with life itself. Yet it does happen. Infants
who
> have symptoms of alactasia need to be treated immediately because
prolonged
> diarrhea may cause failure to thrive or fatal dehydration."

This is a very rare disease, but if it does occur, the lactase enzyme can
be added to EBM (expressed breast milk) and therefore the baby can still
receive all of the benefits of breastmilk although it would not be able to
receive the bonding of the milk coming directly from the source. (The milk
would then have to be given by dropper, cup, or bottle).